About me
I'm Daniel Reiter, a passionate, trained vegan chef and nutritionist from Vienna. Over a decade ago, I discovered plant-based cuisine and founded the Ziguri Cooking School—Vienna's first purely vegan cooking school—in 2019. My culinary journey has taken me from my home in Austria to the vibrant metropolises of Berlin, New York, and Munich, all the way to the tropical island of Bali. These experiences and influences have shaped my cooking style—but my focus is always on one thing: delighting my guests with the best ingredients and creative ideas.
Daniel Reiter
Plant based Chef and Nutritionist
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"For me, cooking is creativity, passion, and magic. Consciously surrendering to the process of cooking is, for me, the greatest expression of fulfillment and gratitude. Because behind every dish lies a chain of steps that culminate in a beautifully presented plate."
enjoyment
& Joy
Curiosity & thirst for adventure
I cook according to the principle that quality and enthusiasm should be evident in every bite. That's why I use only the finest ingredients and pay attention to every detail. My focus is on putting a smile on my guests' faces and creating genuine "aha" moments .
It gives me enormous joy when someone doesn't even notice that a dish is entirely plant-based because it tastes so authentic and delicious. A lady once told me after a dinner that it was the best "meat dumplings with gravy" she'd ever eaten—without realizing that the entire dish was completely vegan. Experiences like these are the greatest reward for me and confirm to me that good taste knows no compromises.
For me, food is one of the most beautiful and precious goods, and this conviction feeds my insatiable curiosity. I spend hours trawling through old cookbooks in search of long-lost recipe treasures , then transforming them into contemporary vegan delicacies . This thirst for adventure drives me to constantly try out new techniques and continually challenge myself culinary skills.
When I cook with others, I'm attentive, humorous, and communicative —like an entertainer who captivates everyone. On the other hand, when I'm cooking alone on new recipe ideas, I work with utmost concentration and consciously immerse myself in the creative process , accompanied by good music. In both cases, the joy of doing something is paramount: the kitchen is my playground, where I can fully express myself.
Tradition meets innovation
Plant-based cuisine
My culinary focus is plant-based cuisine, which I reinterpret with great respect for the traditions of our grandparents . I discovered my passion for cooking in my grandmother's kitchen. To this day, the down-to-earth cuisine of that time—from hearty dumplings to classic delicacies —inspires me, and I give these dishes a modern, vegan twist in the 21st century.
I love creatively reimagining recipes and dishes that everyone knows. This often creates the "ratatouille effect" – that magical moment when familiar flavors evoke memories and amazement. For me , food is deeply connected to memories and emotions , which is why the vegan reinterpretation of our Austrian home cooking is particularly dear to my heart. This is how I transform old recipes into new taste experiences and demonstrate that tradition and innovation go hand in hand in my kitchen.
I'm convinced that plant-based cuisine isn't a passing trend , but a culinary enrichment that's here to stay. In fact, purely plant-based dishes have been part of kitchens around the world for thousands of years. Now that the big "vegan hype" is over, I see an opportunity to establish vegan cuisine as an integral part of modern gastronomy .
Of course, a vegan diet won't solve all the world's problems. But it is one of many fantastic ways to combine enjoyment and sustainability .
In everything I do, taste and enjoyment are paramount. Food and nutrition are extremely personal—they're linked to experiences, emotional, and unique to each person. That's why I think it's important to live consciously and enjoy life—regardless of whether you eat a purely plant-based diet or occasionally eat meat . Ultimately, my goal is to enable "pleasure without compromise" and inspire as many people as possible to appreciate the benefits of plant-based cuisine.
Already satisfied customers
Behind every logo lies a story: unforgettable moments, special people, and projects created with passion and heart.
For me, every collaboration is a shared journey full of inspiration. I'm grateful for the trust that so many wonderful companies and people have placed in me. Their enthusiasm and feedback motivate me to continually create new things.
HAVE YOU FOUND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AND WOULD LIKE TO BOOK OR DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Contact me
gladly at any time
Feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns, and we'll take care of your needs. But feel free to get in touch if you simply want to share something with us. I look forward to hearing from you!
